Research Associate

Result of ServiceThe consultant will provide the G20 GLI with research assistance, facilitate stakeholder mapping and communications strategies, and support in administrative matters and knowledge management. Work LocationBonn Office Expected durationMay to December 2025 Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground Desertification, along with climate change and the loss of biodiversity, were identified as the greatest challenges to sustainable development during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Established in 1994, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The Convention seeks to support countries in addressing Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought.(www.unccd.int) The G20 (or Group of Twenty) is the annual international forum for the governments of 19 industrialized countries and the European Union. The G20 Leaders' Declaration, issued on Sunday, 22 November 2020, launched a \"Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation and Enhancing Conservation of Terrestrial Habitats\". Building on existing initiatives and on a voluntary basis, the G20 countries share the ambition to achieve a 50 percent reduction in the amount of degraded land by 2040. The G20 Global Land Initiative (G20 GLI) seeks to stay ahead of the curve and remain updated with the latest trends that can significantly enhance its work and help achieve its ambitious goals. The G20 GLI will focus on capacity building, engaging the private sector and civil society and showcasing success. Engaging with all stakeholders in land restoration efforts is crucial to promote inclusivity and diversity as well as the ownership and empowerment of local communities and stakeholders, who can bring unique perspectives, knowledge, resources and solutions to the table and ensure their needs and rights are respected and account for in the process. We are seeking a capable junior consultant who can contribute to various tasks across the G20 GLI and provide valuable support to our diverse workstreams. The consultant will report directly to the Programme Officer – Stakeholder Engagement. Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Perform research projects as required by the Programme Officer to enhance stakeholder engagement by the G20 GLI. 2. Aid with stakeholder engagement activities, including mapping and establishing contacts with possible partners. 3. Support with organising Land Challenge meetings and events, including an in-person meeting in Bonn 4. Contribute to the successful organisation of conferences, events and exhibitions. 5. Support the development and design of presentations and other knowledge products. 6. Assist the project management team in due diligence processes, reports, forms, and related tasks. 7. Assist the communications team in drafting news articles, blog posts, promotional material, research, and other related tasks. 8. Provide support to the administrative team of the G20 GLI, particularly in tasks related to event coordination, travel, procurement, and various administrative responsibilities. Qualifications/special skills- A master's degree in international relations, political science, law, sustainable development, business administration, project management, communication, or a closely related field is required. - Proficiency in research is required. • Minimum of 2 years of experience, focusing on conducting or contributing to research projects in areas such as land management, environmental sustainability, or international relations are required. • Proven track record in analysing data, producing research reports, and presenting findings to diverse audiences is required. • Previous experience in working in or with international organizations or multi-country projects is required. • Managing or working with social media, communications campaigns, or marketing initiatives is required. • An understanding of environmental challenges, land restoration and sustainable practices is desirable. • Experience working with governmental agencies, NGOs, international organizations, or private sector partners is desirable. • Involvement in due diligence processes, risk assessment, budgeting, and timeline tracking. is desirable. LanguagesFluency in English language, both oral and written, is required. Working knowledge of German language is desirable. Additional InformationThe consultant will be based and work in UNCCD office in Bonn, Germany and Visa/valid residency permit to work and live in Bonn is required. UNCCD does not provide health insurance to consultant and individual contractors. Incumbents selected for the consultancy are fully responsible for arranging, at their own expense, such life, health and other forms of insurance covering the period of their services as they consider appropriate. Proof of valid health insurance will be required before signing of the contract. All products resulting from this contractual arrangement are the exclusive property of the UNCCD. Only individuals who can act as independent, individual economical operators are qualified to apply. Individuals who can provide their services only on account of an institution or enterprise are not eligible under this procedure. Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations Secretariat and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultant and individual contractor is responsible for determining tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.